Double joy for The Black Lion in Long Melford as it joins businesses recognised for hospitality excellence

Restaurants and hotels from across the region have been recognised for their excellence in the hospitality industry.

The Black Lion in Long Melford enjoyed double success after being crowned the winner of the East regional award in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Stay, while earning two rosettes for culinary excellence from the AA in The Restaurant Guide 2020.

Praising their achievements, assistant manager Lewis Roberts said the team was delighted to have triumphed against strong competitors.

“We are all over the moon,” he said. “It came as a bit of a shock but we have worked really hard.

“There’s plenty of places in the area that are excellent and to be crowned the best is really special.”

Despite the team being fairly new, Mr Roberts said they had developed a strong working relationship, which was reflected in their service.

“We work well together, we are all good friends and that shows in our work,” he said.

The team prides itself on delivering high standards, while focusing on a customer-oriented approach.

“We work hard to give guests the best experience we can,” said Mr Roberts.

“We are not pompous, we are not pretentious, but, at the same time, it’s not a back-street boozer either.”

Other establishments awarded rosettes for culinary excellence include The Bildeston Crown, The George in Cavendish, Hintlesham Hall Hotel, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa, The Great House in Lavenham and The Case Restaurant with Rooms in Assington.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “We are pleased to see the hospitality industry going from strength to strength, with more than 140 new dining destinations being added to the 2020 guide.

“The establishments in this year’s guide demonstrate the high quality of culinary experiences across the country, offering delicious food and impeccable service.”